A process for the preparation of 2-(4-methylphenyl)benzoic acid C.sub.1-6 alkyl esters by reaction of a sulfonic derivative of formula ##STR1## wherein R is C.sub.1-6 alkyl and R.sup.1 is optionally perfluorinated C.sub.1-6 alkyl or optionally substituted C.sub.1-6 aryl, with a 4-methylphenylzinc halide.

Um processo para a preparação dos esters 2-(4-methylphenyl)benzoic C.sub.1-6 alkyl ácidos pela reação de um derivative sulfonic do ## do ## STR1 da fórmula wherein R é o alkyl C.sub.1-6 e R.sup.1 é opcionalmente o alkyl C.sub.1-6 perfluorinated ou o arilo C.sub.1-6 opcionalmente substituído, com um halide 4-methylphenylzinc.